Offices, Staff and the Last the Days of the Competition!

Hi Everyone,

I have lots of exciting news!!! I am moving into an office in Newcastle this weekend which is very exciting- up until now my spare bedroom has been the centre of operations so I can't wait to move into a proper office. I'm hoping that I will get much more work done when I don't have my two kittens 'helping'- all the threads and mohairs are just too much temptation for them! I will also be taking on my first official staff members and will be spending most of next week interviewing- I have had such a large number of applicants that it is taking me some time to read through them all and select those who I think will fit best into the business.

The Challenge has given me the confidence to take this next step and the sound advice of the experts has helped me with the practicalities of working out how to take these steps. The overwhelmingly positive response I have had from applicants and work experience students has been wonderful. At only 24 years old myself, I remember clearly how difficult it was to find work experience especially in the creative fields and am keen to help students with an interest in textiles or the arts to gain the real life work experience that they will need to succeed in a competitive education and employment market.

I would like to thank everyone who has already voted for their support and urge anyone who has not yet voted to consider voting for me! I have been working very hard to tell the public about the Challenge and to win their votes- from emailing and phoning everyone I know (and some I don't) to canvassing hard at the County Show, dropping leaflets through doors around the county and generally telling everyone I meet all about it. I have done everything I can think of to try and win the help that is awarded to the winner so that my business can continue to grow and will help me create a strong future for the company, myself and my soon to be hired staff.

I wish all the finalists the best of luck over the last few days of the competition and would like to thank again all the organisers and business leaders behind the Challenge, not to mention everyone who has voted and taken the time to read about all of the entrepreneurs!

Emily x